Uzbekistan to establish AI, satellite communications and cyber units in the military

Uzbekistan has developed nearly 50 military information systems and integrated 19 ministries and agencies into a fully digital military conscription platform as the country accelerates large-scale defense digitalization and artificial intelligence reforms.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, reviewed proposals focused on modernizing military education, expanding drone operations and strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure.

Authorities said the reforms are aimed at adapting Uzbekistan’s armed forces to modern warfare trends, including the growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles, robotic systems, electronic warfare tools and advanced command technologies in global conflicts.

Military education and AI integration

Uzbekistan has already established specialized military units focused on drone operations and counter-drone defense, while launching training programs for UAV operators, engineers and robotics specialists.

Particular attention was given to military education reforms introduced in 2025. Under the updated system, all higher military educational institutions received institute status and were integrated into a unified vertical management structure. Uzbekistan also established the University of Military Security and Defence.

New qualification standards, curricula and educational programs are being introduced based on modern combat realities, operational military needs and international experience. Authorities said training will increasingly combine theoretical and practical instruction to prepare officers for real operational situations during their studies.

Under a new bachelor-level military training model, cadets will receive advanced instruction in foreign languages, information technologies and artificial intelligence. A three-stage training system for command officers based on modern conflict analysis and international practices will also be introduced for the first time.

The reforms additionally expand opportunities for sergeant training. Military higher education institutions will introduce distance-learning bachelor programs in six civilian specializations for sergeants, while aviation and drone specialist training systems will also be upgraded.

Cybersecurity and army digitalization

In recent years, the Ministry of Defense has modernized communication infrastructure, expanded secure data exchange channels and introduced modern information and communication technologies across the armed forces.

Among the newly developed platforms is the “Chaqiruv” electronic information system, which allows authorities to obtain 39 types of certificates online and conduct military conscription processes fully in digital form for the first time.

In military healthcare, a unified medical information system and telemedicine services have also been integrated with the Ministry of Health’s “D-MED” platform.

To strengthen cyber defense, the Ministry of Defense established an Information Security Monitoring Centre focused on identifying and preventing cyber threats. Authorities also proposed creating a Main Directorate for Digital Technologies, a Department of Artificial Intelligence Technologies and a Cybersecurity Laboratory within the ministry’s central apparatus.

Plans additionally include launching a Satellite Communication Centre to ensure stable communications across all regions of the country. A new deputy defence minister position responsible for digitalization, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity has already been introduced, while similar positions are expected to be created within military districts.

At the conclusion of the presentation, Mirziyoyev approved the proposed measures and signed documents aimed at further digitalizing the armed forces, expanding the use of AI technologies and improving the training of highly qualified military personnel.